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Scarlet fever season is back but what are the symptoms and how can you prevent the disease from spreading? (Image: Wiki Commons)

Dr Theresa Lamagni, from Public Health England, said: "We are strongly urging people with symptoms of scarlet fever, which include a sore throat, headache and fever accompanied by a characteristic rash, to consult their GP. Scarlet fever should be treated with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications.

"Once children or adults are diagnosed with scarlet fever we strongly advise them to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection."

It is a seasonal infection with the first cases usually emerging in September and peaking during the early months of the year.